Global Heating & Cooling 
Winters in Chicago mean shoveling snow off your driveway every day, or every other day, depending on how much snowfall there’s been. There’s always a risk of slipping on the surface and injuring yourself while doing this.
Many homes in the area have begun installing outdoor heating systems like snowmelt systems to take care of the snow that settles.
Types of driveway heating systems available
There are two main types of snowmelt systems available, electric coil and hydronic heated driveways. Electric coil driveways require metal coils to be installed under the pavement and driveway. The temperature of this system can be controlled as well as the timing and duration of heating. The power outputs of the cables vary from 6 to 50 Watts per linear foot. These coils can reach a temperature of 220°F which helps melt snow faster.
Hydronic systems, on the other hand, consist of PVC pipes that are laid out in a zigzag manner under the pavement. Heated antifreeze is filled in these pipes that warm the asphalt or concrete, which melts the snow. These systems, however, are more expensive to install.
Benefits of a heated driveway
Increased safety
Black ice and slush left behind after a cold day make the pavement a safety hazard. You can slip and fall on such ground and your car can skid too. Typically, you would have to use a shovel to remove the snow and slush but that is a safety hazard.
Snow melting systems deal with snow, slush, and black ice in a safe and effective manner, which saves time. You won’t have to layer up just to clear out the driveway anymore.
No need for a shovel
Shoveling the snow off your driveway increases your chances of hypothermia as well as frostbite. Heated driveways eliminate the use of a shovel, which also means your driveway is less likely to experience scrapes and chips. You save money that would otherwise be spent on booking a professional service to remove the ice and snow.
No need for deicers
Rock salt is used to melt ice on pavements. However, a large quantity of salt is needed to deice a driveway. Other deicers have damaging effects on the pavement as well as the plants and trees that grow nearby. Deicers also have severe health implications if accidentally ingested, making them a hazard for homes with children and pets.
Relatively maintenance-free
Once the heated driveway is installed and fully functional, there’s really no maintenance required. It will last many years without any issue, provided, they have been installed effectively and all the heating elements are working well. If any sharp stones were used in making the driveway, there’s a risk of cracks developing in the system.
If your home’s snowmelt system has been giving you trouble, faulty installation is to blame. Our technicians can sort out any issues with our snow melt system installation Chicago and it’s repair. We also provide furnace repair Chicago and installation at Global Heating & Cooling. We have over 15 years of experience in the field and have worked with many residents in the area. Contact us at (773) 801-3734 for more information about our services.
